+ 7th Grade

Math: We have jumped back into our unit on Percents after Winterim and Mid-Winter Break and are off to a strong start. Students are working through the material in a more self-paced format, building ownership and confidence as they master each concept.

Next week, we will focus on real-world applications of percents, including discounts, commission, tax, and tips. These lessons help students become more aware of ways math helps us make wise and thoughtful choices in our everyday lives.

ELA: In ELA, we have wrapped up our unit on informational writing and will be transitioning in our unit on argument reading and writing. The first task students will be doing in writing an argument preassessment so that we can gauge what areas of argument writing each student will need to focus on. The core skills we will be working on in this unit is being able to analyze and understand arguments in reading and also write arguments using sound reasoning, reliable sources, and relevant evidence that supports our claim. Students are also continuing to work on their independent reading goals. Each student should be at 612,000 words by the end of February.

Bible: In 7th grade, we are continuing our study of the book of Proverbs. We have looked at the wisdom of the book of Proverbs and what it says about our relationships with others, the type of homes that God desires for us, and how we can apply this wisdom in our everyday lives. As we continue through this unit, we will look at topics like using our words to live in harmony, what Proverbs teaches us about friendship, and how all of Proverbs points us to the character of God. 

Science: In 7th grade science we are looking at Creationism and Evolution- mainly focusing on Young Earth Creationism and Old Earth Creationism.  One of the big things we spent time talking about is how in this conversation (and it should be a conversation, not an argument)  we don’t want this topic to create division or hard feelings- in essence, we don’t want it to be a stumbling block as Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 8.  Our learning target is “I can recognize that there are different valid Christian positions for the age of the Earth.”  At the end of this brief unit students will write a position paper for Mr. Lubbers and Mr. Schutte summarizing both positions and explaining where they lie in the conversation. They will not be graded on their position, but on the evidence for their position.

Social Studies: In social studies we are working through the Civics portion of our Foundations of Government unit. We have already learned about the historical events that shaped our government and are moving into the functions of the three branches of government. Our 60 year learning target is I will seek what is right for our nation, while still representing Christ in the way I influence government. Students will learn about the powers of each branch along with applying the ability of each branch to check and balance the other branches.

Choir: In choir, we have been busy preparing for the 7th/8th grade choir festival, and our upcoming performance at the Celebrate the Light schoolwide event, which includes both 6th grade choir and 7th/8th grade choir. Students may wear their normal clothes, and are expected to stay for both performances at 6:30 and at 7:00. I’m so excited for you all to hear them perform! :)

+ 8th Grade

Pre-Algebra: With the launch of an exciting cross-curricular project in partnership with Social Studies, our Pre-Algebra classes have also begun a new unit on Linear Relationships. Over the coming weeks, students will learn how to calculate slope and, more importantly, understand slope as a rate of change. We will also practice graphing lines and writing equations in Slope-Intercept Form. These foundational skills will directly support their work on the Restoration Project, equipping students to analyze data and model real-world situations with clarity and precision. Through this project, students will engage in meaningful problem-solving, thoughtful analysis, and creative application — using their God-given gifts to better understand and respond to the world around them.

Algebra: After our mid-winter pause, we have returned to our unit on Exponential Functions. Over the next week, students will continue exploring the key features and behavior of these functions as we prepare to wrap up the unit. Exponential models will play an important role in the Restoration Project, where students will apply their learning to real-world situations. A major focus will be clearly communicating the meaning and interpretation of these relationships — not just calculating, but explaining what the math tells us. I am very much looking forward to the opportunities ahead to walk alongside students through this project - to witness how students respond to the invitation to use their God-given gifts to thoughtfully analyze and respond to real-world challenges.

ELA: In ELA, we are beginning work on a second argument writing piece. Students have already written one argument and received feedback on their writing. Our goal is to take this feedback, apply it to our second piece writing, and develop a better argument. After this, we will transition into our narrative reading and writing unit.

Bible: In 8th grade Bible we will soon be wrapping up our study of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, taking time to reflect on what His sacrifice and victory over death mean for our faith and daily lives. After that, we will transition into learning about the early church as recorded in the book of Acts—seeing how the disciples responded, how the gospel spread, and how the Holy Spirit worked through ordinary believers to build Christ’s church. This unit will help students connect the events of the resurrection to the mission that continues even today, inviting them to consider how they too are part of God’s ongoing story.

Science: In 8th grade science we are beginning a fascinating look into the Immune System. Our learning target will be “I can describe how God designed the immune system, and I can assess whether or not this fallen system can be used for restoration to protect us from disease.” This value packed unit will give students a fascinating peek in God’s magnificent design!
Social Studies: In 8th grade social studies we are

Social Studies: In 8th grade social studies we are beginning our unit on Sub Saharan Africa. The 60 year learning target for this unit is I will see the Christ-centered value in the people and resources of Africa in order to help love them and identify ways to bring true restoration. Students began working on their disease projects (collaboration with science) and will move into an examination of natural resources and its impact on the lives of people next. Also, the students received details for The Restoration Project, last week, and will begin making a plan